15/09/2021
10 Reasons Cambodia Needs to Announce a Q4 Reopening Now
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1, The Cambodia Vaccination success story needs to be shared with the world
The vaccination rollout in Cambodia is one of the best in Asia and Phnom Penh is the most vaccinated capital city in ASEAN. Cambodia is vaccinating 12-17 yr olds and giving 3rd doses when many countries are on the 1st dose. We must share the story of a “small country with a big heart”.
2, There is a unique opportunity to move NOW while Cambodia remains ahead in the vaccine rollout
The impressive vaccine rollout means Cambodia has a big advantage over slow-to-vaccinate neighbours. This window of opportunity is only open for a short time before other countries start to catch up. If Cambodia acts now it can be the first ASEAN member to announce a full reopening.
3, Cambodia can reinvent itself as a standalone destination, not an extension or add-on
A bold approach to reopening means Cambodia can reinvent itself as a standalone destination, a single country holiday choice, no longer an add-on or extension to Thailand and Vietnam.
4, Cambodia has a unique opportunity to generate free PR and Marketing worldwide
The announcement of a full reopening will generate travel headlines around the world and change the perception of Cambodia as a destination among tourism professionals. It will be a huge dividend of free PR and marketing for a country with a limited tourism marketing budget.
5, A limited risk with a huge reward for Cambodia
Looking at the result of the Phuket Sandbox, we do not anticipate a large influx of travellers in the first phase of reopening, but small numbers of fully vaccinated travellers, tested pre-departure and upon-arrival, and their itineraries under the management of a reputable DMC or Tour Operator.
6, The Travel Industry needs clarity to plan the promotion of the reopening of Cambodia
Airlines need to re-establish networks, tour operators want to promote destinations and tourists will only book countries they know to be open without quarantine. Local tour operators need to rehire staff and temporarily closed hotels need to renovate and re-employ staff.
7, Winter is coming, position Cambodia as the long-haul Asian destination of choice
An early reopening will put Cambodia on the tourist map for the long-haul European and American markets this winter, as they will have very few choices in Southeast Asia. The Thai islands versus the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia, which offers the best of Asia in one bite-sized destination.
8, A single destination means longer stays, higher tourism spend and more tax revenue for RGC
If Cambodia positions itself as a standalone, single destination, average length of stay will increase, typical visitor spend will rise and tax revenues increase, a win-win for the kingdom.
9, The Cambodian Tourism Industry has been suffering for 18 Months
The tourism sector represents 20% or more of GDP and Siem Reap is in a dire situation now, with shuttered hotels, closed businesses and thousands out of work. This is unsustainable for Cambodia.
10, There are more than 60 countries in the world already open to fully vaccinated visitors
More than 60 countries are already open to fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Turkey and UAE. The Maldives is projected to welcome 1.5 million visitors in 2021.
